History & Heritage
Exhibition showcasing Black Country history celebrates work of late news photographer
A new photographic exhibition capturing everyday moments of Black Country life from the 1970s and 1980s is set to go on display in Birmingham. Taken from the personal collection of late photojournalist Phil Loach, the exhibition has been curated alongside a special accompanying book.
Destruction of “iconic” Birmingham Ringway Centre to be reconsidered by council
Birmingham’s historic Ringway Centre, a brutalist landmark, has been granted a reprieve from the wrecking ball. Following strong opposition from campaigners and potential legal challenges, the city council will re-evaluate the plans to demolish the building and replace it with three towering apartment blocks.
Birmingham activists plant tree to remember the city’s contribution to global debt justice
Local activists will plant a gingko tree in Birmingham’s City Centre Gardens to mark the location of the largest human chain to have taken place in the UK in the last 30 years. 70,000 people took part in the chain during the G8 meeting in the city in May 1998, influencing G8 leaders to initiate…
Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration to be held at Birmingham Council House
Birmingham’s annual civic commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day will be staged at the Council House later this month. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, will lead the event on Monday 29 January, which is free, open to all and starts at 11am.
Mughal art and dance day announced at Aston Hall for South Asian Heritage Month
Birmingham’s Aston Hall is preparing to host art and dance events, including a panel discussion, to mark South Asian Heritage Month. The special Mughal Miniatures cultural sessions, which includes a panel discussion about Mughal art with experts, will require booking and due to take place on Saturday 29th July at Aston Hall.
Celebrated photographer Vanley Burke to give Windrush 75 talk at Black Country Living Museum
Respected Birmingham photographer Vanley Burke is due to give a talk this week as part of events to mark Windrush 75. The free ‘in conversation’ session will take place at The Black Country Living Museum on Thursday 22 June at 2pm to celebrate the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arriving in Britain in June 1948.
Birmingham’s brand new Black history sculpture defaced with “sickening” racist graffiti
Birmingham’s first and only sculpture celebrating Black history and heritage has been defaced with racist graffiti, in an incident described by a city MP as “sickening vandalism”. Earlier today, local residents in Winson Green were shocked to discover the ‘Black British History is British History’ artwork – launched less than two weeks ago – had been…
Artist Michael Clarke hosts powerful exhibition in Digbeth exploring colonialism
Birmingham raised artist Michael Clarke has opened his first ever public exhibition which explores British colonialism and his African heritage. The Dambala art exhibition – free and open to all – is currently running at Digbeth Art Space in Gibb Street, within the Zellig building complex.
Over 7,000 people apply for 60 rare tickets to tour Birmingham New Street signal box
Network Rail has been swamped with thousands of eager applications from people hoping for one of 60 free tickets to tour the Birmingham New Street signal box, which closed down last year. The ballot for the rare tickets has attracted around 7,500 people by the time the ballot closed on Friday (17 March).
Birmingham council to approve nearly £9 million for city arts and cultural sector
Birmingham City Council is set to approve nearly nine million pounds to support the arts sector and cultural activities in Birmingham over the next three years, it has been announced. The financial spend for the years between 2023 and 2026 is set to be approved by Cabinet next week (21 March 2023), according to a council statement.